In my latest post for Oxford Learning, I share some ways that you as a parent can help make Math fun and interesting for your kids. This was also the topic of discussion last night on CHEX Daily (I’m not sure I convinced Mike Judson). This makes it all worth it: The books I shared […] Read more…
Joseph and the Colorful Coat – The Brick Bible For Kids
We know kids love Lego, and The Brick Bible For Kids series by Brendan Powell Smith (fully illustrated with Lego scenes) is a fantastic way to introduce them to powerful Bible stories. When I was sent Joseph and the Colorful Coat for review, I decided to read it to my students (few were familiar with […] Read more…
Our First Eucharist Retreat: Crafts, Baking, Drama and more!
I teach at a Catholic school, and this year I have Grade 2s for the first time (in a 2/3 split) which means I get to help prepare the students for two sacraments, First Reconciliation (which was in the fall) and First Eucharist (also known as First Communion), which will be taking place next weekend. […] Read more…
Tips For Success on Your Child’s Field Trip (TV segment)
For those who are able, going on a class trip with your child can (and should) be a wonderful experience. You get to spend the day in a different setting with your little (or not so little) one, and you also get great insights about how he or she fits in with her peers and […] Read more…
When You Have a Concern About School (Video)
Of course I think teachers are pretty wonderful, but the time may come when you have a concern about something that has happened at your child’s school, or in the classroom. What do you do? In my latest CHEX Daily segment, I tackle this touchy subject with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson. This is […] Read more…
Motivate Your Child In School (a.k.a Since I Don’t Have Enough Jobs…)
I’m excited to share that I was recently asked to become a blogger for Oxford Learning, where I’ll be writing monthly education-related posts for parents. My first article discusses ways that you can help, at home, to motivate your child academically. Some of them might surprise you! You can find the full post here: http://www.oxfordlearning.com/2015/03/24/how-to-motivate-kids-in-school/ As […] Read more…
Fun and Educational March Break Activities
Last night on CHEX Daily I chatted with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson about fun and educational March Break activities for kids and families. While some specific suggestions are local, you don’t have to live in Peterborough (or even Canada) to make use of most of the ideas. Plus, chances are, if our mall […] Read more…
The Highlight of My Week (or All About My Class Reading Program)
Bear with me here, but I get pretty excited when it comes to reading. This week, I assessed most of my students on their reading levels (with help from my awesome Trent University Teacher Candidate), and I was absolutely thrilled to see the progress they’ve made. (I’m sure I’m supposed to maintain a neutral expression […] Read more…
Why Your Kid Needs To Be At School (with my CHEX Daily segment)
What’s the magic number of days considered “normal” for a student to miss in a school year? What do you do if your child doesn’t want to go to school? What if you just have to book appointments during the school day? I discuss these questions and more with CHEX Daily hosts Teresa Kaszuba and […] Read more…
How Much Do You Know About the Ontario College of Teachers?
I know a fair bit about the Ontario College of Teachers, probably because I’ve been a proud card-carrying member since 2000. I was surprised to learn, however, that a lot of Ontario parents don’t know that not only are their children’s teachers regulated by the College, but that there is also a range of parent resources available […] Read more…